Top 6 PC Problems and Their Fixes

Computers are a series of complex ports, designed to carry out specific tasks based on their specifications. A large number of issues encountered on computer systems are as a result of user error. Though, there are instances, when problems seem to occur out of nowhere.

It can be very frustrating for your computer to freeze, shutdown or restart while in the middle of your work.

Having your system perform slowly, can be the most annoying.

Agitation, frustrating, annoyance are all the things one may feel when their system fails to boot up, or is infected with a malicious file or corrupted files.

Below you will find a list of 6 of the most common issues end users encounter, along with ways you can combat them.

1. PC Is Running Slow

Probably one of the most common problems people face on their PCs, is its sluggish performance over time. You click on a specific app, and it feels like an age before it finally loads up.

This is especially true with older system, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution.

The first thing you want to establish are the programs that you are using. The programs that are running, both in the foreground and background. You can use Task Manager to find this out. Once you’ve got a handle on that, the next step is to figure out which programs you do not use, and thus, can close.

You should also look at your start up programs, and consider disabling the ones that are not necessary. You can find a list of startup apps, in the Task Manager, also.

Another cause of your systems sluggish performance could be a virus infection. Once a malicious file gets onto your system, it can start to corrupt files. Over time, it can have an adverse effect on your systems performance.

To remove malware from your system, you will need to use antivirus software. Simply run a thorough scan of your system, and it should do the rest.

2. Backup Your Data

The unfortunate reality is that, so many people overlook backing up their data. On the surface, this may not seem like much of an issue, until it becomes one.

Depending on your setup, all of your most important data, whether it be music, images or documents is stored on your systems hard drive. This could either be electrical or mechanical. When your hard drive eventually breaks down, which is a given, all the data on your drive(s) will be lost. Even if your hard drive is covered via warranty, this warranty only protects the drive and not the data contained on it.

To get around this issue, you should be looking at software or a service that is capable of automatically backing your data up to an external hard drive or cloud server. If you opt to go with an additional hard drive, then make sure the hard drive isn’t near your system, that way, if your PC was to go up in flames, it wouldn’t take you’re backed up data with it.

Any backup process you have in place should be automated, that way, the process will go through whether you’re aware of it or not. Using an online backup service has a major advantage in that you can access that data no matter where you are in the world. Also, such data would be protected from natural disasters, with many of these services guaranteeing the safety of your data, which often means, backups to your backups.

3. PC Overheats and Shutdown

When your system overheats, it can cause the system to either slow down or power down. It’s very important that you don’t push your hardware components too hard, as they can cause irreparable damage. If you’re system is constantly overheating, then you may want to seek the help of a professional.

One of the reasons why your system is overheating could be because the fan(s) in your case is blowing a lot of warm hair.

There are many temperature tools that you can use to know how warm your system is. Check these numbers constantly so that you can find any trends, if they exist. If your system continues to overheat, then you may want to consider cleaning it up. You can use compressed air to clean out the case. Just open it up, and begin the process.

4. Getting Hit With Spam

If your inbox is being hit with a large amount of spam, then it’s very likely you are apart of a phishing list. Or, it could be that your information was stolen, possibly the result of a malicious file.

There are several ways that an account can be hijacked:

• Filling out forms on dodgy websites.
• Sharing personal affix with an app.
• Searching websites such as HaveIBeenPwned.com to see whether or not your email exists in a hack. If it does, then you should change your password. Run a full scan of your system, and enable any and all email filters, to cut down on spam.
• Having a reused login and password be exposed.

Consider assigning a new password to your accounts every couple of months. Use two-factor authentication wherever applicable.

5. PC Fans Are No Longer Working

Your PC fans are very important as they keep all the components in your system cool, preventing overheating and possible damage.

It’s not uncommon for your fans to stop, when the inside of your computer is cool. However, if your fans refuse to run, irrespective of the temperature of the case, then that’s definitely something for you to worry about.

In the vast majority of cases, such problems can be traced to the motherboard. The fan wasn’t properly installed or there’s an issue with the wire.

In order to verify this, you will need to try the fan elsewhere, possibly on another PC or external power source to see whether or not it actually works. This way you can determine whether the motherboard or fan is at fault.

The fan could be dirty, as a result of dust build up; in situations like this, a simple clean-up should do the trick. Another possible cause is that the fans bearing is stuck or broken.

If you’re a beginner, then you may need to seek the help of someone more experienced, especially if the solution involves replacement.

6. Unstable Wireless Network

Unstable wireless networks are rather common nowadays. This instability can be caused by many different things, such as radio waves that are interfering with the router’s signal, to possible outdated drivers.

If you think the problem could be your electric garage door opener, cordless phone or radio interfering with your wireless connection, then you should definitely consider changing your Wi-Fi settings or moving the router to someplace else. Moving the router is especially great if you’re having issues of dead spots within your home. There are also wireless repeaters that you can use to extend the signal. Make sure, all your drivers are up-to-date.

–AUTHOR INFO—

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website https://www.compuchenna.co.uk.